CHAPTER XI

Brashear City, La.

Mustered into the service again--Waiting for orders--Up the Bayou

Teche--Stealing a horse--Meeting the owner--At Mouton's

Plantation--The return across the prairie--A sham battle--One kind

of southern hospitality--Another kind of southern hospitality--Camp

life at Brashear City.

_September 24, 1863._

BRASHEAR CITY, LA. We remained in New Orleans until the 16th waiting for

orders. Having just enough money to live on, we tramped about the city,

which I find very interesting, especially the part below Canal Street

which is here called the French part of town. Above Canal Street the

people mostly speak English, and below Canal Street they mostly speak

French. The houses in the French part are low squatty buildings as

compared with those on the other side. Canal Street seems to divide

everything. It is very wide, with a horse-car track in the middle and a

regular street on each side of it. The cars are all drawn by mules. The

car tickets each have a picture of a car drawn by a mule, and pass for

five cents anywhere, just as money does. These cars runs as far out as

Lake Ponchartrain I am told, but on account of the expense I have not

been out there. I am told it is the summer resort of the people who have

money to go there. The "shell road" which I have read about is a

continuation of Canal Street. It is wide and as smooth as a floor. After

a shower it glistens like snow, for it slopes each way so the water runs

off and leaves it as clean as you please. Way out along the shell road

is a tremendous large cemetery, and this I must tell you about. The old

lady where I boarded had a son on one of the river boats. He died last

week and his body was brought home and buried from her house. The old

lady invited me to attend the funeral and I am glad I went, for it was

all so strange. The only thing that seemed real was the mother's grief.

There were several carriages and I had one all to myself. Some others I

found out went empty. The graves in the cemetery are all on top of the

ground and are like little brick houses, all whitewashed or painted

white. There was no end to the flowers in the yard or at the grave. A

wagon-load of them went from the house. After the burial we came back

with just as much pomp and ceremony as we went. I was sorry for the

mother, and if she hadn't such an outlandish name I would give it. I

have never tried to pronounce it, and not having seen it in print will

give it up. That is the way with most all the names here. How they

remember them is beyond me. I, for one, got very tired of hanging about.

I gave up my diary after we came back from our gulf trip, but time hangs

so heavy on my hands I have started it again and have caught up to this

time the best I can. Colonel B. brought us here on the 16th and we have

done nothing but loaf ever since. Brashear City is a small place on

Berwick Bay. A small place just across the bay they tell me is Berwick.

Cattle and horses are brought down from the country to Berwick and made

to swim across the bay to this place, where they are yarded and shipped

to New Orleans for market. There is a store and a restaurant, and some

large empty buildings that I suppose were used for storehouses. We came

here by way of the Opelousas and Great Western R. R., which begins at

Algiers opposite New Orleans, and ends here at Brashear City. This is

the R. R. that the Twenty-third Connecticut were guarding when the

Rebels captured them, last June. A part of them were here as well as

some other troops. The restaurant keeper told me of the capture, and

showed me the bullet marks on his shop to prove they did not give up

without a fight. He says the bravest fight of any was made by a New York

man, whose grave he showed me near his shop. Just what we are here for

or how long we are to stay does not yet appear. Colonel B. says that

part of Franklin's expedition that went up the Teche country by way of

this place is somewhere along the Bayou Teche, and we are to wait here

for orders. Last Tuesday I went to the city for our mail. I had six

letters, all full of news I was rejoiced to hear. Our folks are well,

and I begin to think they have more sense than their youngest son and

brother, for they don't worry about me as much as I do about them. Walt

Loucks wrote about the 128th and Dave Cottrell wrote about his folks and

his regiment. They are doing nothing yet, but resting up. When I got

back I found our discharges from the 128th had come. As we have not been

mustered into any other, I don't see why we are not just plain citizens

again.

_October 3, 1863._

BRASHEAR CITY, LA. _Saturday._ Here yet and just as busy as ever, doing

nothing. A week ago to-day I went to the city to be mustered into the

Corps de Afrique. At the office I was told to come again on Monday, so I

went to the old place on Gravier Street and spent Sunday writing

letters. On Monday I went again to the mustering office and was told to

wait until Tuesday.

Tuesday morning I made out to swear in. Our boarding master had sent by

me for a half barrel of pork, and another of Fulton Market beef, and had

given me two ten-dollar bills to pay for it. I got the stuff across the

river just too late for the train, and as another did not go until night

there was nothing to do but wait. When at last the train was made up I

settled down in it for an all-night's ride. It ran about a mile out and

was halted by a signal. Soon after, the train-man said we must wait

until morning, and I went to sleep. In the night it began raining and it

ran through the car roof about as fast as it came.

I got out and went to the engine, where I went on with my nap, but in

such cramped-up quarters that I soon woke up again, and then I went to

the engine house and finished up the night, the most miserable one of

any since that night on the A. G. Brown.

On my way back to the caboose I passed the car on which my pork and beef

were the night before, and lo and behold the beef was gone. I saw tracks

about the car where it had been taken off and traced it to a house not

far away. I then went to the office of the provost marshal, who informed

me that as it was not government property he could not help me. I then

went back to try and help myself, but the people were all French and I

couldn't even tell them what I was after. By this time the train was

ready for a start and I got aboard hungry, dirty, and as mad as I could

be. I told the man just how it was, and whatever he may have thought, he

acted very nice about it, apparently believing every word I said. If I

ever get ten dollars ahead, and am where I can do it, I mean to make it

up to him. Yesterday some of us went fishing and had good luck. We also

got a mess of salt water crabs, which are new to me but which I found to

be most delicious. Lieutenant Colonel Parker and four others have gone

up the country towards Franklin, to see about new headquarters there.

Colonel B. is in the city and the rest of us will wait here until he

comes.

The last few nights have been cool enough to keep the mosquitoes down,

so about all we do is to eat and sleep and grow fat. Unprofitable

servants maybe, but we are obeying orders and that is what we agreed to

do.

_October 8, 1863._

Brashear City yet. We have been expecting to go every day, but someway

the order did not come. What money we had among us has played out and we

have had to apply to the quartermaster for provisions. The cooking we

take turns at, what little there is to do. We got all ready to go

yesterday. The A. G. Brown tied up here and we bundled our belongings

on board, only to take them off again. The captain says General Banks

has the boat for a special purpose, what, he does not know, but had

orders to meet him here, and to allow no one else on board. The general

and a host of other officers came towards night and were soon on board

and away. After they were gone the colonel and a part of his family took

a walk up the Bayou Beuoff (pronounced Beff), to an island on which is a

large sugar plantation. We got a boat and crossed over, strolled over

the grounds, got all the oranges we could eat, and take away, and were

handsomely treated by the people. They seemed real friendly, and I hope

may have felt so. At any rate we had a pleasant time and got back tired

enough to turn in and go to sleep.

_October 12, 1863._

_Monday._ Nelson's Plantation, on the Bayou Teche. Since my last writing

we remained at Brashear City, eating, sleeping, playing cards and

checkers, pitching quoits, running races and passing the time as best we

could, until the arrival of the A. G. Brown just at night on Saturday.

We went on board but did not get away until midnight. A large fire over

in Berwick lit up the water almost like daylight. Captain Hoyt and

Lieutenant Mathers were sent back to New Orleans on some business,

otherwise our family was all together. We stopped at the mouth of the

Bayou Teche until daylight and then went on as best we could. The Rebs

had put every possible obstruction in the way. One tree had been fallen

across it, for the Teche is narrow, in places not as wide as the A. G.

Brown is long. Two old boats had been sunk in it, and these the Brown

had to snare and pull around so as to get past. We arrived at Nelson's

Landing about midnight. Unloaded and marched about a mile farther

up-stream and pitched our tents. This Bayou Teche I am told runs through

the country and comes out into the Mississippi at Plaquemine.

So far as I have seen it, it is narrow, and in many places and for long

distances is covered with the leaves of some sort of weed that grows up

from the bottom. Being about on the same level as the land, it is for

all the world like sailing over a green field. The water shows if you

look down upon it, but not as you look forward or back. It is said to be

deep enough for any sort of a vessel. With all the obstructions to our

passage, it was a much pleasanter one than the one we took in the Gulf

of Mexico. After a late breakfast, there being nothing better to do,

several of us went up the Bayou to where a lot of negroes were getting

the wreck of a sunken boat out of the way. They worked from small boats,

diving down and making fast to anything they could, and then with tackle

hitched to a tree on shore would tear it loose and get it out of the

way. One of them fell overboard and went down. Another dived for him,

bringing up one foot which another in the boat took hold of, and without

attempting to get his head out of water, rowed ashore with him, dragging

him out on the bank by the one foot. The man was dead, but might just as

well have been saved, for it was only a very few minutes from the time

he went in until his one bare foot was in sight. They paid no attention

to our advice or opinions of such work, and I soon found that they only

understood French, and so did not know what we were yelling to them

about. We got a boat and crossed to the other side. We found a used-up

cane field, which was hard to get through and which seemed to have no

end. When we finally did get through we found a patch of sweet potatoes.

Beyond seemed to be an endless open country with groves now and then,

and everywhere, as far as we could see, were droves of horses and

cattle. One flock of horses spying us, came up close as if to

investigate. They were small, but perfectly formed, and of almost all

colors. Some were spotted, but the most were of one solid color. Whether

they are real wild horses or whether they have owners, we found no one

to ask. Both the horses and cattle seemed to keep in droves separate

from each other.

By the time we got back we were tired and hungry as if we had been on a

forced march. We got hold of a nig who understood English, and told him

what we were after. An even dozen immediately enlisted, so we have made

a beginning, and feel encouraged. This country is beautiful. Not exactly

level and yet no hills. I suppose it might be called rolling. A good

road runs a few rods from the Bayou, and along next the Bayou are large

live-oaks. These are covered with moss, almost every branch having

bunches hanging down just like an old man's beard. It is a curious sight

to me, and I cannot say I really like it. I would give more for a good

look at Bryan's big maple than all of them. Our troops are said to be in

or near Vermillionville, twenty-five or more miles from here, and that a

battle may be fought any day. Lieutenant Bell is going back on the Brown

to-morrow, and I will wind up this epistle and send it by him. Maybe he

will bring me a letter when he returns.

_October 13, 1863._

_Tuesday._ We are to start for Vermillionville to-morrow. There is quite

a gathering of odds and ends of regiments and detached parties that are

to join the army there. We have been looking for horses to-day, and

after a hard day have several, but not enough for all. While out looking

for them we ran upon a squad of our cavalry, who ran down and shot a

beef, of which they gave us a generous portion. We are cooking it now so

as to have it to cheer us on the way to-morrow. Those of us who must

walk will need all the encouragement we can get.

_October 16, 1863._

_Friday._ On Wednesday morning before we left Nelson's there was another

try for something to ride, and by hook or crook we all made out. Colonel

B. loaned me his horse to go and look for another. Along the Bayou

about a mile below camp I found several horses hitched to the trees

about a house, in which the owners were getting a breakfast. Only a

couple of them had military trappings, the others having ordinary

saddles and bridles. One of these was hitched to the upturned roots of a

blown-over tree, the bridle being thrown over the root. I noticed this

as I rode past, and as soon as I was out of sight I turned back, and

riding close up to the stump I slipped the bridle off the root, and old

sorrel followed me right along. Everything was ready for a start when I

got back and away we went. I felt a little guilty, but I know by the

trappings the fellow had stolen the horse, and the old saying, that it's

no crime to steal from a thief, came to mind and comforted me.[6]

We rode until noon and then stopped for something to eat and to let the

horses fill up on grass. Then we went on across the prairie, which

seemed to have no end. We kept an eye out for guerrillas, but saw none.

About 4 P. M. I saw a cornfield a little off the way and went to it to

get some corn for my horse. While I was gone the colonel decided to camp

for the night in a grove near the road, and went there thinking to see

me when I came along. But in some way we missed each other and I kept

on, finally reaching Vermillion Bayou. The guard told me no such party

had come in. As troops were scattered all about I kept up the search

until dark, when I crossed over into the village, stabled and fed my

horse in an empty building, and spread my blanket on the piazza of a

house close by. A woman came out, and although it was rather late to ask

permission, I did so, when she flounced back inside and I heard her tell

some one not to let such things lie on the stoop. I didn't take any such

hints and was soon asleep. An old dog acted much more friendly, for he

sat by me until I went to sleep and was still there when I awoke. In the

morning I fed the rest of the corn to old sorrel and then went on to

Vermillionville, enquiring everywhere for Colonel B. and rest of the

gang. Not finding them I came back, and on the way traded horses with a

colored gentleman who was having trouble, his horse going backwards in a

circle, instead of straight ahead. She was a beautiful black mare,

small, but wiry, probably one of the thousands that run wild on the

prairies. After we got the trappings changed I had quite a time getting

aboard my new craft, but by coaxing I finally mounted, and for a while

sat there, while the lady was considering whether to go or stay and

fight it out. The nigger had tried whipping, so I tried petting, and she

soon started to walk and in a short time was taking a gait that soon

brought me to the Bayou, where I got some breakfast with the engineers

who came in late last night.[7]

After breakfast I was about to start for headquarters to report the

probable capture of Colonel B. and party, when in they came as surprised

to see me as I was to see them. They were going to report me captured,

for they thought sure I had been. The engineers kindly offered a

breakfast which the party was glad to accept, after which the colonel

said we must go on to headquarters and report for orders. My "Black

Bess" was afraid of so many people around her and kept as far away as

the picket rope would allow. Whether she had a grudge against me I don't

know, but as she swung around the circle she suddenly wheeled and with

both her bare hind feet hit me squarely in the breast. My canteen had

swung around in just the right position to receive the blow and that

probably saved my life. As it was, one side of the canteen was smashed

against the other and I was knocked flat on the ground. I was picked up

and in a minute or so was as good as ever. The blow had knocked the

breath out of my body, and as soon as I had recovered that I was all

right, with not even a sore spot to remind me of the affair. We then

pushed on about four miles beyond Vermillionville, where we halted to

wait until our baggage wagon arrived. We encamped near a sugar mill on

the Rebel General Mouton's plantation.

From among the negroes that came flocking about we found that many of

them knew how to cook, so we divided our party into messes and each

hired a cook. Lieutenants Gorton, Reynolds, Smith and myself were one,

and we immediately set out for something to try our new cook with. Smith

and I got after a pig which ran in General Mouton's yard and all the way

round the house, but we finally got a shot in the right place, and had

some of the most delicious fresh pork for dinner. After dinner we got

hold of the English-speaking darkies and explained our mission among

them. They were more anxious to enlist than we were to have them. Even

the women and children wanted to go, and we had more trouble to make

them understand that only able-bodied men were wanted, than we did to

get them to enlist. That night they built a big bonfire, and hundreds

upon hundreds were dancing about it, until I got tired watching them and

went to sleep. They have some good fiddlers among them, and many more

that are not so good. Those that saw the thing out say they finally got

to singing, "Glory to God," and "Abe Linkum," and wound up with a

prayer meeting, in which Massa Linkum and the Linkum Sogers were the

names most often heard.

_October 17, 1863._

_Saturday._ To-day Lieutenants Heath, Reynolds, the quartermaster and

myself took a long ride about the country spreading the news of our

headquarters for recruits. The white people we met were civil, but their

hatred of us could not be entirely covered up. I could not find it in my

heart to blame them, and I much regretted that one of our party saw fit

to trade horses with one of them and entirely against his will. But the

blacks are wild with joy, and eager to become "Linkum Sogers."

In the afternoon a detail was sent out with the quartermaster's wagon

for mutton or beef, for our family is getting so large they will soon

eat up the government rations at hand. They came back soon with a choice

lot of dressed mutton. The guides apparently knew just where to go.

Later in the day Reynolds, Gorton and myself made another tour of the

country towards the Mississippi River. We came to a house over towards

the Great Cypress Swamp, as the folks here call it, and which is a belt

of big timber lying between the Teche prairie and the Mississippi River,

in which outlaws and wild beasts are said to abound, and in which bands

of guerrillas have their hiding places. We have heard much of the Great

Cypress Swamp and its terrors, and felt quite brave as we looked at it

from a half mile distance. No one appeared to be at home, so we

investigated. The weeds were as high as our heads, but a path led back

to a stable in which was the most perfect picture of a horse I ever

looked at. He appeared to be scared out of his head at the sight of us,

and plunged and snorted as if a bear was after him. The path continued

and soon we came to a mulatto and his wife busy digging peanuts. We

introduced the subject of enlistment and found he was ready and willing

to go at once if he could take his horse with him. They could both talk

English, and a jargon we supposed was French. When speaking to us they

used English, but to each other they talked French. After a short confab

he agreed to go with us, and his wife made no objection. He got his

horse from the stable, and his saddle from the house and we set out for

camp.

I thought it strange that either of them showed so little concern at

parting for what might be forever, and wondered the wife did not ask to

go also, as so many of the others had done. We reached camp just at

night, where both the horse and man attracted the attention of all

hands. Colonel Parker at once wanted to buy the horse, and a bargain was

soon struck, the horse to be paid for on the next pay day, which was

agreeable to the mulatto. He was so frank and open in all his talk, that

when he asked if he might ride the horse home and remain till morning

the colonel readily consented, telling him to be in camp by noon the

next day.

_October 18, 1863._

_Sunday._ We lay about camp until noon and the horse and his rider did

not appear. The colonel was mad clear through. He had been told the

nigger would not come back, but he believed he would, and as the time

went on little was heard but comments on the slick trick the rogue had

played on Colonel Parker. After dinner he told Gorton and me to saddle

up and show him the way and he would see whether he could find him. We

went to the house but found no one at home. We then rode on towards the

swamp. We saw a man running across a cleared spot and soon overhauled

him. It was the fellow himself. He said his horse had got away and he

was trying to find him, had been looking for him all the morning. The

colonel drew his revolver and told him to march ahead of him to a big

tree a short distance away, at the same time telling me to get my picket

rope ready, for he was going to find that horse, or else find a dead

nigger. The nig was scared and began to beg, declaring the horse had

gotten out of the stable in the night, and he and his wife both had been

looking for him all day long. After he had got through, the colonel told

me to throw the line over a limb, for he was going to keep his word.

Whether he did really intend to hang him or not I don't know, but I

thought he would stop short of the actual deed, so I proceeded to get

the rope in position for a real hanging. Just then the rascal owned up.

The horse was in the swamp where he had hidden him, and if the colonel

would spare his life he would take us to him. We then went on and soon

came to a beaten path that led directly to the dense forest before us.

At the first turn in the path after we entered the woods the colonel

dropped me off. At the next turn he left Gorton, and he himself with

revolver in hand followed the fellow on and out of sight. He was gone

perhaps fifteen minutes when out they came, horse and all, and we made

tracks for camp, which we reached about sundown. The next morning the

man's wife came into camp, and they both acted as if nothing out of the

ordinary had happened. Where I waited in the woods the undergrowth was

so dense I could not see a rod in any direction except along the path.

Squirrels, both black and gray, came out of the bushes and looked at me.

I counted five black squirrels in sight at one time. They are not quite

so large as the grays, and are a dark brown rather than black. I

wondered if they were as plenty all through the woods as where I sat.

Gorton says he saw as many as I did. If all the stories I have heard

about the Great Cypress Swamp are true, I don't care for any closer

acquaintance than I now have. There are wild animals of all kinds common

to this part of the country--bears, wildcats, opossum, deer and snakes

as big as any in Barnum's menagerie. I can believe the snake part, for I

have seen so many that I believe all the snake stories I hear. This same

Great Cypress Swamp is said to be the home of outlaws, both white and

black. That they have homes there where they live undisturbed by the

laws made to govern other people. That runaway slaves find homes there,

where they live and raise families which recruit the ranks of the

lawless set living there, as fast as they are killed off by the fights

they have among themselves and with the officers of the law that attempt

to capture or subdue them.

_Night._ The work for to-morrow has been mapped out. Quartermaster

Schemerhorn, Lieutenant Reynolds and myself are to start for Brashear

City, taking with us the men we have enlisted. Two days' rations have

been given out, and the darkies are having a farewell dance. This has

been a busy Sunday, one I will long remember.

_October 19, 1863._

_Monday._ We were up early and found the dance still going on. These

creatures have danced all night, and eaten up a good portion of the

rations, in spite of the fact that they knew a hard tramp lay before

them to-day. How they will get through, or what we will do if they give

out on the way, is the next thing for us to think of. They don't care.

Someone has always thought for them and will have to think for them for

some time to come.

The quartermaster and Reynolds started off in good season but I was kept

back for instructions until they were out of sight, and I did not

overtake them until they had reached Vermillion Bayou. A drove of men,

women and children, the families of the men we were taking away, had

followed them until now. We had to wait for a wagon train to get off the

bridge and this gave time for them to get through with the good-byes,

and most of them turned back. A half dozen or more of the younger women

kept on and went all the way through. The day was warm, and the road was

dusty, but we went through without accident or adventure, other than

might be expected when all things are considered. For several days the

men had been in a state of great excitement over their new prospects.

They had wound up by dancing all night, and eating up the provisions

intended for us on this hard tramp. As the day wore on the excitement

wore off and they found themselves very tired and very hungry. Such few

things as they had beside those on their backs was in a cart drawn by a

mule, and driven by three wenches. When a man gave out we turned out a

wench and put the man in her place. Finally all three wenches were on

foot, and their places in the cart taken by as many men. Before long

others gave out and the cart was loaded until that broke down. Then we

held a council. We were outside the picket lines and night was coming

on, and staying there in the road was not to be thought of. Three

revolvers were the only weapons of defense we could muster in case of

attack by a guerrilla squad. Capture meant death. We explained the

situation to such as could understand us, and they made it so plain to

the others that they were all ready to hustle. We patched up the cart so

the extras could be dragged along and away we went. The quartermaster

rode on to find a place to stay at, and something to eat. I let one who

was worst off ride my horse, and with Reynolds at the front to coax, and

I at the rear to drive, we got up such a gait I had to do my best to

keep up. The road had been graded for a railroad, and was wide and level

as a floor. At dusk I saw the steeple of a church, and knew we were near

our journey's end. Now that the end was in sight, the weariness all

seemed to disappear. We passed the picket line and were soon in the

town.

The quartermaster had got a schoolhouse for a stay over and had rations

from the commissary. We made short work of these and expected to settle

right down for the night. The men and women filled the schoolhouse full,

and after being in there a few minutes, we three made up our minds the

air was better outside, so we each took a board shutter from the windows

and were soon settled down as comfortable as the circumstances would

allow. Before we were asleep we heard a fiddle tuning up and in a little

while a dance was started and was in full blast when I fell asleep. How

long it lasted I don't know, but when I awoke about sunrise the inmates

of the schoolhouse were sleeping like the dead.

_October 20, 1863._

_Tuesday._ I was nearly blind when I awoke. Something like an

inflammation in my eyes had troubled me for some days, and the dusty

tramp of the day before had made it worse. However, I soaked them open,

and found that it had not affected my appetite in the least. While at

breakfast Lieutenant Bell came and joined us. He was on his way to join

the colonel and his party at the front. The colonel had given us an

order to stop any boat going towards Brashear City, and with it I

proceeded to the landing, leaving Reynolds and the quartermaster to pick

up and bring on our party. At the landing I met a party on their way to

the front, and gave my horse to one of them who was in just such a fix

as I was the morning I became a horse thief. In reply to his very

profuse thanks I told him I would have to turn her loose if I didn't

give her away, for I could take her no farther. I had long forgiven her

the kick she gave me and sincerely wished her well. At Nelson's Landing

I found a boat which was being held in readiness for General Banks and

his staff, so that was of no use to us. Soon after the A. G. Brown came

up and said she would be back that night, and take us. We went into camp

near the sugar mill and very soon our small army was arranging for a

sham battle. They talked French, so I could only judge what they were up

to from what I saw. They divided into two squads and proceeded to

fortify their positions by rolling the empty sugar hogsheads up in two

parallel rows, behind which they stationed themselves, while the

generals in command jawed at each other across the field. The men each

had a hogshead stave for a weapon. For flags they used bandanna

handkerchiefs, and for drums a piece of board upon which one man pounded

while another held it up. One of the generals made a speech which made

the other side fighting mad, and they all jumped over the breastworks

and met in the space between, batting each other over the head with

their weapons, and yelling with all the power of their lungs. We thought

sure they would kill each other, for the blows they struck broke some of

the staves into splinters. Just as we were going to try and interfere,

one side surrendered and were marched off, prisoners. There had been

some blood shed, and the wonder is that no heads were broken. But the

best part came after the fight was over, and when the final settlement

was being made. Through an interpreter we learned that the general who

should win the fight was to kiss one of the young ladies that had

marched with us all the way from Mouton's Plantation, and he now

demanded his pay. She was led out upon the battlefield, and when the

victorious officer came up to claim his reward she slapped his face, and

then turned her back to him. He then gave some orders, when his men

grabbed the dusky maiden and turned her about. I could not tell whether

she blushed or not, but suppose of course she did. The general got down

on one knee and then on both and jabbered French at her until she

finally relented and stuck out her hand, which she allowed him to kiss.

This soon led to a full surrender, and the battle was over, and peace

declared.

We gave out the rations and began to get ready for a start as soon as

the boat came along. We even filled a barrel with sugar, thinking it

might come handy when we got to Brashear City. But night came and the A.

G. Brown failed to appear. There were many here who like ourselves were

waiting to get out of the country. Among them was a young mulatto woman,

whom the others called Margaret, and who seemed of a higher order than

those about her. She was willing to talk, and from her I have a story

that has fully reconciled me to the wisdom of the President's

Emancipation Proclamation. She has started for the North. Our coming

among them has given her the chance she had long looked for. She has

run away from her mistress, and her master is in the Rebel army. She has

a picture of her husband, and a fine-looking man he was. He was as white

as I am. He was the son of his master, and her father she says is Judge

----, now in the Rebel service. Her husband picked up enough education

to be head man on his father's plantation. He knew too much for a

nigger, and when the Rebel army came through last spring he was taken

out and hanged to a tree right before her eyes. After they had gone the

slaves cut the body down and buried it. Margaret is in hopes to reach

New York, and I wished I could land her there that minute. If she was

dressed as well, and if she was educated, she would pass muster with any

I have seen that go by the name of ladies.

No boat coming to take us away, we posted guards, giving each a stick of

wood for a weapon. I remained up until midnight, and in going the rounds

to see if the guards were awake, came near getting a club over my head

as I turned the corner of the sugar mill. At midnight I called Reynolds,

and rolled myself in my blanket and was soon asleep. The mosquitoes were

about as thick and as savage as any we had met with. The horses and

cattle had no peace for them. I rolled myself up head and heels in my

blanket, and yet when I awoke found one foot had got out of bed, and the

varmints had put a belt around my ankle between my stocking and trousers

that looked like raw beef. I don't suppose there was an atom of space

that had not been punctured by a bill. But I slept right through, and as

usual dreamed of home and home folks.

_October 21, 1863._

_Wednesday._ Nelly, one of the women who came with our crowd, has

volunteered to be our cook, and besides being a good cook has proved

herself to be a good forager. When I woke up she had fresh pork and

chicken cooked and we asked no questions about what price she paid for

them. Quartermaster Schemerhorn rode up to Newtown for rations, and I

went back to bed to finish up my nap. The mosquitoes had not quite

finished their job on me, and some actually bit me through a thick

woollen blanket. My leg was very sore where they feasted on it this

morning. One of the men mixed up some mud for a poultice, which helped

it wonderfully. I found out we could learn many things from these poor

creatures, not the least being how to live on the fat of the land we are

in.

_Noon._ The quartermaster came back and said the A. G. Brown would be

along to-day some time. That it will make a landing one-half mile above

here. Accordingly we pack up and move up to Mr. Nelson's so as to be

sure of not missing it. Mr. Nelson, the owner of everything in this

region, is here. He has been a merchant in New Orleans, but since Banks'

order driving all Rebel sympathizers from the city, has been here at his

plantation home. It is said he owns 20,000 acres of land, and all the

necessary stock and tools to work so large a tract. After a supper of

hard-tack and bacon, Lieutenant Reynolds and I went and called on the

gentleman. He received us very politely, and offered us the best his

house afforded. The boat not coming we prolonged our visit, sitting on

the broad piazza and smoking his cigars. He said he was a widower, with

two children, a son in the army, and a daughter at school in Georgia. He

told us of the outrageous wrongs he had suffered at the hands of the

invading armies, how they had laid waste his land, torn down his

buildings and fences, taking away his mules and horses, cattle and

sheep, until he had nothing but the bare land to live upon, and no

slaves left him to work even that. It was holding up the other side of

the picture to our view, and in spite of ourselves we were sorry for

him. He evidently did not expect sympathy from us, for after reciting

his wrongs he changed the subject of conversation around to topics we

could all agree upon, and after a sociable chat he invited us to spend

the night with him, agreeing to have us called in case the boat came

during the night. He urged us to stay and we did. He gave us rooms,

elegantly furnished, with beds so white and clean we were some time

making up our minds whether after all we ought not to sleep on the

floor, and leave the beds as they were. But the whole mosquito bars and

a few nips from our ever-present enemies decided us. We undressed and

were soon asleep, too sound even to dream of home. The boat did not come

and the next thing we were aware of it was morning.

_October 22, 1863._

_Thursday._ We slept late, and when we came out, our host was waiting

for us, to say that breakfast was ready, and would not listen to our

going away until we had partaken of it with him. We sat down to a

beefsteak breakfast, with all the extras. I did not think I was so

hungry, but the smell of the victuals made us both ravenous. Our host

seemed to enjoy seeing us eat and thanked us heartily for making him the

visit, going so far as to say that in case the boat did not come that

day he would be glad to entertain us again. In books and in other ways I

had heard of southern hospitality and I now know it was all true. I

wonder if it was ever put to a severer test.

We went down to the landing and found a guard of soldiers from an

Illinois regiment, keeping watch over a quantity of sugar and molasses

which the government has confiscated, and which the boat was expected to

take away when it came. They invited us to make one of their party until

the boat came, and we gladly accepted the invitation. They thought we

had risked our lives in going to stay with Mr. Nelson, and eating food

in his house, but we did not believe it, and did all we could to make

them think better of him than they had so far done. The guards shot a

hog, which made fodder for our folks for the day, together with the

government rations we already had. The day passed and another night

came on and still no boat. We crawled in wherever we could get and slept

as best we could for the mosquitoes, which seems determined to eat us

alive.

_October 23, 1863._

A cold rain storm that has been threatened for a day or two came upon us

early this morning. A small flock of sheep came up the road driven by a

man on horseback. The negroes from everywhere have gathered here and the

rations we give our men they give away to their friends and are always

hungry in consequence. When the sheep came along they surrounded them

and killed at least a dozen before we could stop them. The man hustled

along with what was left and those killed were soon skinned and being

cooked in various ways. We had mutton for dinner and for supper, and had

enough left for breakfast. The day finally passed and we began looking

for better sleeping quarters. Reynolds and I with a part of the guard

finally climbed a ladder and got into a loft full of cornstalks with the

corn on just as it had been cut and stored away. The place was alive

with rats and mice, which ran over and through the stalks, making a

terrible racket, varied once in a while by a fight among themselves. We

got used to the racket and finally were asleep. Just as we were enjoying

ourselves, along came the boat we had waited so long for. We hustled to

sort out the nigs that belonged to us and get them on board. In a little

while we were off. The boat was crammed full of people--black and white,

old and young, men and women all spread out on the cabin floor, or the

tables. I never saw such a mass of people in so small a space. We poked

around and after a while found room to lie down, after which getting

asleep was quick work.

_October 24, 1863._

_Saturday._ Another raw day. Now that the people are standing on end

there is more room to get about. We made out to eat such as we had;

while we wished for more, we had to content ourselves with what we had

grabbed hold of the night before in the dark. At noon we passed

Franklin, and about 3 P. M. reached Centerville, where there was a lot

of sugar to load on the lower deck. The captain said if we would turn in

our men to roll on the sugar he would undertake to fill them up.

I took advantage of the stop to see what the place looked like. On one

of the streets I saw oranges on a tree and went in to see if I could beg

or buy a few. As I went into the yard a young lady came out and, in a

tone and with a look that almost froze me, asked what I was doing in her

yard. To save me I couldn't think what to say, but I did after a while

come to enough to say I would like an orange. She turned to a negro and

motioned towards the trees, when he went and picked his hands full and

gave me. Then the madam pointed her finger towards the street and said,

"Now that you have what you came after will you please go"--and I went.

I don't know yet what I ought to have said or done, but the only thing I

did was to get back to the boat as fast as I could. I kept the adventure

to myself, and gave the oranges away, for I think they would have choked

me. That is a sort of southern hospitality I never read of in a book, or

heard of in any other way. I never saw so much scorn on a face before.

Why I stood there like a chicken thief caught in the act, and then

carried off the oranges, I don't now know. If the Rebels were all like

her I would resign and go home at once, for she did actually scare my

wits all away from me. The sugar was on board and true to his promise

the captain ordered a supper for our army, which must have made his

stock of provisions look small. Rube asked me what I found the town

like, and I told him it was different from any I had yet seen. We soon

got settled down for the night.

_October 25, 1863._

_Sunday._ When we awoke we were in sight of Brashear City. We landed,

formed in line as well as we could, and marched to our headquarters,

where I found my old crony, Sol Drake. We found quarters for the men in

an unused building, and in a little while their woolly heads were

sticking out from every window.

The quartermaster drew clothes for them, and they were soon fitted out

with suits of blue, just like the rest of the Linkum Sogers. The trouble

was to fit them with shoes. I doubt if many had ever had a shoe on their

feet. Their feet are wide at the toes and taper straight back to the

heel. No. 12 was the smallest size we found use for, the most of them

taking 14 or larger. They insisted on squeezing a No. 14 foot into a No.

10 or 12 shoe, but we, knowing what that would result in, got them

properly shod after a long time. Then how proud they were! We then gave

them their rations for the day, telling them through interpreters that

if they wasted it or gave it away, they could have no more until

to-morrow. We moved all our belongings from the boat and filled out the

day visiting and talking over old times, and at early bedtime settled

down for the night in a four-room house which has been taken for our

headquarters while here.

_October 26, 1863._

BRASHEAR CITY, LA. _Monday._ On going out this morning who should appear

to me but George Story of Company B, who was captured with General Dow

at Port Hudson last summer. He says he was well treated by his captors,

and has no fault to find with them. They took him and the general to

Richmond, and put them in Libby Prison. After a while he was paroled,

and sent to Annapolis, Md. There he was kept until exchanged, and then

sent south in charge of the provost marshal to be turned over to the

128th New York. Through a mistake at headquarters he was sent here, as

the 128th was supposed to be at the front in the Teche country. If he

had not met us as he did, he would have gone up the Teche on the next

boat. As it is he will go back to New Orleans to-morrow, and look for

his regiment up the river, probably at Baton Rouge, where we left them.

We commenced teaching our recruits the rudiments of soldiering. They are

awkward, but very anxious to learn, and as that is the main thing, we

look for little trouble in drilling them. By shoving them together,

lock-step fashion, they soon got the idea of marching in time, and on

the whole did as well or better than we did at Hudson, when we took our

first lesson. The quartermaster has gone to the city for equipments,

tents, etc., and when he returns we will soon be at the Manual of Arms.

We expect Major Palon here to-day to take charge, and by the time

Colonel B. and the rest get back, hope to have our recruits fit for

turning over to any regiment that needs them.

_October 27, 1863._

_Tuesday._ It rained hard all day, consequently no drill or other work

was attempted. Major Palon and the quartermaster came from the city, the

latter with rubber blankets and shelter tents for the recruits. He also

brought some letters, one for me telling about the draft at home. Those

that are drafted can get off by hiring a substitute or by paying $300,

in which case a substitute is furnished them. I am glad I enlisted.

There have been times when I could hardly say it, but I can say it now

with all sincerity.

More women and children have come, wives and children of the men we

have. Poor things! I suppose they have nowhere else to go or to stay, so

they have followed on after their husbands and fathers. I have heard

that the government has provided camps for them, where rations are

served to them just as to the soldiers. It is a very proper thing to do,

and I hope it may be true that these helpless ones are thus provided

for. This arming of the negroes is not such a simple affair as it

seemed. This is a side I had not thought of, but I don't see how it can

be dodged.

_October 28, 1863._

_Wednesday._ The rain has stopped, and the mud is now having its turn.

It makes us just as helpless as the rain did. We have put in the time

making plans for the time when the mud hardens. It does not dry up, as

it does in the north, but the water seems to settle and leave the ground

hard even if there be no sun or wind.

_October 29, 1863._

_Thursday._ After a council on matters and things in general, we have

made some changes, looking to a more orderly arrangement of our camp

life in these quarters. The hangers on about camp have been driven away.

The quartermaster's stores and those of the commissary department have

been separated and placed in tents outside, where they can be found and

got at. The most intelligent among the recruits have been appointed

corporals and sergeants, and the screws of discipline turned on just a

little more. Guards are placed, more for their instruction than for our

safety, and things are putting on more the appearance of a military camp

than a mere lounging place, as it has heretofore been. Just as we had

got everything to our notion, a boat came, and on it were Captains

Merritt and Enoch with 120 more recruits. Tents and blankets were given

them and quarters assigned them, which altogether has made a busy day

for us. Discipline, what little there had been, went to the winds when

the men all got together. They all seemed to be acquainted, and such

jabbering French as they had. I suppose they had lots of news to tell

each other. Some can talk English, but all of them can and do talk

French when talking to each other. They came from Colonel B.'s

headquarters at Opelousas, and were in charge of Colonel Parker, who

got left behind at Newtown, and will be along on the next boat. At night

Dr. Warren, our surgeon to be, came from New Orleans, and to-morrow will

examine the recruits. Sol Drake has been sent for to join Colonel B. at

Opelousas and expects to leave on the next boat. Opelousas is beyond

where I have been. I have posted Sol in getting as far as Mouton's,

where we were, and beyond that he must find out for himself.

_October 30, 1863._

_Friday._ It has been a rainy day, but we have paid little attention to

it. Dr. Warren finished up his examination and nearly every man passed

muster. He was not as particular about it as Dr. Cole was at Hudson. As

fast as examined and passed we gave them their new clothes, and a

prouder set of people I never saw. Lieutenant Colonel Parker came at

night with later word from Colonel B. and Drake does not have to go. For

this he and the rest of us are glad. Colonel Parker brought eight men

with him and about as many women. We have quite a respectable squad, and

they are learning very fast--faster I think than we did when we first

began. Those that were rejected by the surgeon as unsound are here yet,

and what to do with them is a puzzle to us. We have each of us taken

one, to do anything for us we can think of, and they seem perfectly

happy. Mine is named Tony, and is a great big good-natured soul, ready

to do anything for me, if I will only let him stay. He came to me at

first asking if I would write a letter to his wife, and when I asked him

what I should write, told me anything I was a mind to. I wrote the

letter, telling her where he was, and how he was, and put in a word for

some of the others for Tony's wife to tell their folks. This pleased him

so much that he hung around trying to do me a favor in return, and when

he was rejected by the doctor he said I must keep him, for he would be

killed if he went back home, because he had enlisted. The government

allows us transportation and a daily ration for a servant, so I am

nothing out, for he asks no other pay than his board and the privilege

of staying.

_October 31, 1863._

_Saturday._ Lieutenant Colonel Parker and Dr. Warren left us to look for

a healthier place, as many of the men are getting chills and fever. The

ground is low and wet and I suppose is a regular breeding place for

fever and ague. We are glad of a prospect of a change, but this country

is all swampy and wet. The Teche country comes the nearest to dry ground

of anything I have seen. We are getting into full swing. Companies A, B,

and C are organized and assigned to Captain Merritt, Captain Hoyt, and

Captain Enoch. There are thirty men left and these are turned over to

Lieutenant Reynolds for drill. At night, a telegram from Colonel Parker

says we must stay at Brashear City until our regiment is full. I have

been out of sorts to-day and have laid up for repairs.

_November 1, 1863._

_Sunday._ Was detailed for officer of the guard, but not feeling well

Lieutenant Reynolds volunteered to act for me, for which I am very much

obliged. I put in another day trying to be sick, but toward night gave

it up as a failure. However, I put in the day by staying indoors,

writing letters for the men, some to their wives and some to their

sweethearts. The more love I can put in the letters, and the bigger

words I can use, the better they suit the sender. What effect they have

on those that receive them I happily do not know.

_November 2, 1863._

_Monday._ I lay down last night thinking if only mother was here to fix

me up a dose, as she has so many times done, I should be well right off.

I soon dropped off, and the same thought kept right on going through my

brain until I awoke this morning and found myself in the same position,

lying crosswise of my bed just as I lay down last night. But my dream of

home had cured me, and I was myself again, ready for whatever might

come.

I found myself again on the detail for guard. After the new guard was

posted I had but little to do, except to see to it that the reliefs were

changed at the proper time. There was no enemy in sight, though the

guards were just as watchful as if the enemy had been in the next yard.

The worst was to remember the names of the sergeants, and that I got

round by writing them down. Even then I had to guess at some. At night

Colonel Parker came back from the city, on his way to join Colonel B.,

who is at the front with the rest of the gang. He brought me two

letters, one saying father is sick and the other saying he is well

again. I am glad the good news came with the bad, though I had much

rather no news of that kind would come. I also had a list of names of

those drafted from the town of North East. John and Perry Loucks and

Amon Briggs were among them. Whether they will go or get substitutes the

letter did not say. Also that another proclamation from the President

calls for 300,000 more men. I wonder if he knows what an army we are

raising for him here. Report says an accident between here and Algiers

last night killed twelve soldiers and wounded over sixty more. One train

broke down and another ran into it, both loaded with soldiers. These

roads are so straight and level it would seem that accidents of that

kind might be avoided.

_November 3, 1863._

_Tuesday._ I made a raise of a postage stamp to-day and sent a letter

home. The day has passed like all do nowadays, with little to do. But it

has been pleasant, and that is an exception I am happy to make a note

of. The quartermaster came in to-night with more tents, and more

supplies.

_November 4, 1863._

_Wednesday._ The steamer Red Chief came down the Teche this morning with

more recruits, in charge of Lieutenants Gorton, Smith, Heath and Ames.

This will make more work and I am glad of it. Lieutenant Colonel Parker

has been on the point of starting up the country again for several days,

but has not gone yet. To-day he has decided to move our quarters to

higher ground. This is a wise thing to do according to Dr. Warren, for a

great many of the men are sick with chills and fever. The site chosen is

about a mile away. I am detailed to see that the stuff gets off, and the

others are to be on the new site and receive it, and see to its proper

distribution. I am temporarily assigned to Company D. By noon I had

everything on the way, and after reaching camp helped to get Company D

in as good shape as the others. A regular camp is laid out and company

streets made. It made me think of the laying out of Camp Millington.

Grading the company streets and other necessary work will give us

something to do for days to come. I put in so much time helping the

others get fixed that I forgot my own tent, and as Captain Enoch invited

me to sleep with him, I accepted, and after fighting mosquitoes until

nearly midnight, I fell asleep and remained so until late the next

morning.

_November 5, 1863._

_Thursday._ Tony was waiting for me when I woke up, and was feeling

badly because I had to go to the neighbors to sleep. After our hard-tack

and coffee were safely stowed away, I got my tent out and we soon had it

up. Then Tony began skirmishing for furnishings. He had seen what the

others had and set out to beat them all. He got hold of a board wide

enough and long enough for me to sleep on, and soon had legs driven in

the ground to hold it up. My modest belongings were put under it, and

the deed was done. Colonel Parker gave a few parting orders and then

took boat for New Iberia to join Colonel B., leaving Captain Merritt,

in command. Captain Laird not yet having joined the command, I am

curious to know what sort of a man I am to serve under. Company D is as

yet made up of raw recruits, not yet having passed through the medical

mill, so I have only to keep them within bounds until they are examined

and sworn in as soldiers, when their education will begin.

At night Dr. Warren and Lieutenant John Mathers came from New Orleans. A

cold drizzling rain began about that time and we were driven into our

tents, where the hungry mosquitoes awaited us and war was at once

declared. If I had a brigade of men as determined as these Brashear City

mosquitoes, I believe I could sweep the Rebellion off its feet in a

month's time. They make no threats as our home mosquitoes do, but pounce

right on and the first notice you get is a stab that brings the blood. I

have had at least one bite for every word I have written about them, and

all in the same time I have been writing it. The only escape from them

is in the hot sun, or under a blanket so thick they cannot reach through

it.

_November 6, 1863._

_Friday._ This morning Lieutenants Reynolds, Smith, Ames and myself

formed a club of four for mutual protection against starvation. We have

a rejected recruit for a cook, and have made a draft on the commissary

for salt horse, hard-tack and coffee. If he can't get up a meal on that,

then he's no cook for us. My company was examined and almost every one

proved to be sound enough for soldiers. A dozen at a time were taken

into a tent, where they stripped and were put through the usual

gymnastic performance, after which they were measured for shoes and a

suit, and then another dozen called in. Some of them were scarred from

head to foot where they had been whipped. One man's back was nearly all

one scar, as if the skin had been chopped up and left to heal in

ridges. Another had scars on the back of his neck, and from that all the

way to his heels every little ways; but that was not such a sight as the

one with the great solid mass of ridges, from his shoulders to his hips.

That beat all the anti-slavery sermons ever yet preached. But this is

over with now, and I don't wonder their prayers are mostly of thanks to

Massa Linkum. They are very religious, holding prayer meetings every

night, after which the fiddle begins and dancing goes on all night, if

not stopped on account of the noise they make. I don't know how they get

along with so little sleep, or rest. After the examination we got

blankets and clothes from the quartermaster and they were fitted as well

as it is possible to fit from a ready-made stock.

Our cook, George, proved to be a jewel. He made salt beef taste so much

like a chicken we didn't notice the difference. Major Palon came from

the city at night, and brought some letters. One was for me and

contained three dollars from my old crony, Walt Loucks. This will keep

us in extras for a little while. We were some time deciding how to use

it, but a majority thought a part of it should go for flour, so George

could try his hand at pancakes.

_November 7, 1863._

_Saturday._ I have never described our camp, and may never have a better

time than now. We are out of town, to the north, on high, hard ground,

for this country--so high that there is quite a slope towards the water

of Berwick Bay. Company streets are laid out and the camp kept clean by

a detail made each day for that purpose. There are many large trees in

and about our camp, and taken altogether we have never had a

stopping-place quite equal to it. The sick list has shrunk already,

though the hospital tent is pretty well filled yet. We have

company-drill every day and there is quite a strife among us to see

which can learn his troop the fastest. The men are as eager to learn as

we are to have them, which makes it much easier for both parties.

Berwick, which is directly opposite, is quite a place from the looks,

larger than Brashear. It is the shipping port for the great Teche

country that lies beyond.

Just after dinner Colonel Tarbell's orderly rode into camp and inquired

for me, handing me an order which read, "Lieutenant Lawrence Van

Alstyne, commanding Company D, 90th U. S. C. I., at Brashear City, La.

Captain Vallance, quartermaster, will furnish the bearer with a boat, in

which he will proceed to Berwick and procure a sufficient supply of

lumber to floor the hospital tent in said regiment." Signed, "Tarbell,

commander." I took five men and such tools as we could find and called

on Captain Vallance, who gave us a boat in which we rowed across the

bay, which was still as a mill pond. We landed near a shanty which

easily came apart, and which had good wide boards, enough to floor

several hospital tents. We made these into a raft which we towed back,

reaching camp without having seen a person, except a guard--who

considered my order good enough authority for letting the boards go. We

had boards enough for the hospital tent and all the other tents, which

as soon as they are dry will be used for the comfort of all hands. At

night Lieutenant Gorton arrived from the city to take the next boat for

Newtown to join Colonel B.

Lieutenant Smith made me a present of a handsome pair of shoulder

straps. The groundwork is dark velvet and the border of gold cord

twisted and woven together. Altogether they are as handsome a pair as I

have ever seen on anybody's shoulders. I shall lay them away until I get

a coat fit to put them on, and that won't be until after pay day. Thank

you, Matt, I'll try and not disgrace them. I presume he paid money for

them that he needed for fodder; but that's just like Matt Smith. Major

Palon also returned to-night, and made some changes. Lieutenant Ames, my

partner in Company D, goes in the medical department as clerk, and

Lieutenant Reynolds takes his place with me.

_November 8, 1863._

_Sunday._ On duty to-day as officer of the guard. Generally that is a

light duty, but with these men it is not so much so. None of the men can

read or write, and so the sergeant and corporal of each relief has to

have the names of his relief repeated to him until he remembers them.

Even then there are many mix-ups that have to be straightened out. The

names are strange to me, and after writing them as they sound, I find it

difficult to pronounce them.

I went the rounds during every relief, and never failed to find

something out of joint. One at the Major's tent, whom I had taken extra

pains to educate, I found taking his gun apart to see how it was made.

Another had his shoes and stockings off and was walking his beat with

bare feet. Another had taken off his accoutrements and piled them up at

the end of his beat and was strutting back and forth with folded arms.

The only thing to do is to call up a man who speaks both French and

English and through him straighten the matter out.

_November 9, 1863._

_Monday._ To-day an order came to move to New Orleans. That is, all the

companies that are full. That leaves Company D here until more men come.

There is a regular jollification over the order, as none of us are in

love with this place. I suppose it would be a proper thing for me to

introduce the officers of the Ninetieth to whom the readers of this

diary may be, and as there is nothing to prevent I will do it now. If I

ever get a chance to read it myself it will call them up before me as I

now know them.

Colonel Edward Bostwick comes first, and any one who will be apt to read

this knows him as well as I. But as I want the list complete I will

begin with him and work down the line. He is about five feet ten inches,

light complexion, gray eyes, with brown hair and beard. He is rather

particular about his own appearance, and also that of the men under

him. He is always on the lookout for a higher limb to roost on, and

after getting there himself, is very good about helping his friends up

to him. He seldom drinks, never to excess, and on the whole is a good

soldier. He came out as captain of Company B, 128th New York. Was

promoted to major of the First Louisiana Engineers, May 2, 1863. He

served at Port Hudson with them and had the name of doing well whatever

he was ordered to do. In August 1863, was promoted to the rank of

colonel, with permission to raise a regiment from the freed slaves in

this department, and this he is now trying to do.

Lieutenant Colonel George Parker is from Poughkeepsie. Came out as

captain of Company D, 128th New York. On Colonel Bostwick's

recommendation he was promoted to his present rank. He is about five

feet seven inches, light complexion, sandy hair and beard. Is well up in

military tactics, and is afraid of nothing. Rushes right into anything,

regardless of getting out again. Is kind to his men, but a strict

disciplinarian. When his orders are obeyed he is all right, but when he

gets angry he acts without judgment or feeling for any one or anything.

Major Rufus J. Palon is from Hudson. Came out as second lieutenant in

Company G, 128th New York. He has the army regulations and military

tactics at his tongue's end. Is pretty strict on discipline, but never

loses his head. Money has no value to him. He would give his last cent

to any one in need, even though he might be just as needy himself.

Surgeon Charles E. Warren is tall, dark complexion, with dark sandy hair

and beard. So far as I know he is a good surgeon. He is free with his

money, and with the hospital whiskey. A real good fellow, though not in

all things the sort one can pattern after with safety.

Quartermaster Peter J. Schemerhorn left home as orderly sergeant of

Company G, 128th New York. Acted as second lieutenant of his company at

Port Hudson, and was afterwards detailed as clerk at headquarters, where

he remained until the formation of this regiment, when he was made first

lieutenant and acting quartermaster. He makes a good quartermaster,

seeing that his stock is kept up and ready for distribution.

Adjutant T. Augustus Phillips is one of the boys. He served in the

Second Fire Zouaves in the three months' service and afterwards came out

as orderly sergeant in the 165th New York. Was detailed as clerk at

headquarters and in some way got a recommendation for adjutant in

Colonel Bostwick's regiment. He is a New York tough. Gets drunk as a

lord, and looks down upon any one else who does not do as he does. He is

not as popular in the regiment as he might be.

Captain Thomas E. Merritt was formerly sergeant in Company I, 128th New

York. Was raised to acting second lieutenant of same company, and

finally promoted to captain in this regiment. He has traveled a great

deal and remembers what he has seen. He seems well fitted for the

position he now holds and stands well with all hands.

Captain Charles Hoyt is as good an all-round man as is often found. He

is fine-looking, a fine singer, has a way of being everyone's friend,

and making everyone a friend to himself. He is cut out more for society

than for the army. He takes now and then a drink, but never gets beyond

himself. Will share his last dollar or his last hard-tack with any one.

Altogether, he acts as a sort of balance wheel to the rest of the

machine, keeping some from going too fast, and helping others to go

faster. He would be missed if taken away, more than any half dozen of

us.

Captain Richard Enoch came out as first sergeant of Company I, 128th New

York. He was wounded at Port Hudson, and did not again join his company,

being recommended for promotion as first lieutenant in the Corps de

Afrique, from which he came to us with a captain's commission. He has a

jovial disposition, but has a very quiet way of showing it. He sometimes

takes a little too much, and then is reckless of his money and of the

good name he has gained. Every one likes him, because they cannot help

it. As a military man I doubt if he is ever heard much about. He had

rather have a good time, and no matter what is going on he generally

manages to have it.

There are several other officers who have not yet reported and of them I

know nothing. One of them is Captain Laird, who will be captain of

Company D, when he comes.

First Lieutenant Robert H. Clark was promoted from sergeant in the 116th

New York. He is an excellent penman and would make a much better clerk

in some department office than he ever will a soldier. He is rather

hasty tempered, and has already had several jars with his brother

officers, particularly with Adjutant Phillips, whose assistant he at

present is. If Adjutant Phillips kicks clear out from the traces

Lieutenant Clark will probably succeed him.

First Lieutenant Martin Smith was formerly an engineer on the Harlem R.

R. He went out with a three months' regiment and afterwards as sergeant

in Company G, 128th New York. He is open-hearted and outspoken. One can

always tell where he is, for he is not deceitful. He is well liked by

his brother officers. Just now he lies on his back on my bed making fun

of a stove I have manufactured out of a camp kettle. He has no idea I am

writing his biography.

First Lieutenant Reuben Reynolds is from Hudson, N. Y. He came out as a

private in Company A, 128th New York. Was promoted to corporal, then to

sergeant and then to first lieutenant in this regiment. He looks as if

he had just been taken from a bandbox. No matter what clothes he has on

he always looks neat and well dressed. He was on a three years' whaling

voyage before the war, and tells some very interesting stories of his

life on shipboard. Before he came to us he was detailed as clerk in the

Y. M. C. A. at New Orleans. He is a professor of religion, and I think

tries to make his profession and his army life jibe. We all respect him,

though none of us feel as if we fairly knew him.

First Lieutenant John Mathers is from Fishkill, N. Y. He came out as a

private in Company F, 128th New York. Was promoted to second lieutenant

in the Third Engineers, and from that to our regiment as first

lieutenant. For some unknown reason he and I took a dislike to each

other while in the 128th, and used to pass each other by as one surly

dog does another. Since we have been thrown together we have talked the

matter over, and neither of us can give any reason for our mutual

dislike. We are the firmest of friends now, together much of the time we

can call our own. We are not a bit alike. He is a regular dandy in

appearance but the commonest sort of a fellow when you get at him.

First Lieutenant Charles Heath was a sergeant in Company I, 128th New

York. Was given a commission in the Third Louisiana Engineers, and

afterwards given the same position in this regiment. In my opinion his

head is not right. He acts strange at times. Sometimes he is as quiet

and docile as can be, and in a little while as profane and foul-mouthed

a man as I ever met. Is not ambitious, but seems to take what comes as a

matter of course. He has no intimates, keeping mostly to himself. What

influence ever brought him up from the ranks I cannot imagine.

First Lieutenant Garret F. Dillon was promoted from sergeant in Company

H, 128th New York. He is a very small man, has a lisp, and a mincing

walk. He looks and acts as if he was cut out for a dandy, but lacked the

material for making one, and was thrown out in the shape he now is.

First Lieutenant Charles M. Bell was first sergeant of Company G, 128th

New York. At the battle of Port Hudson he happened to be nearest Colonel

Cowles when he fell. He received the colonel's dying message to his

mother and was sent home with the body. He is one of the most capable

of the whole lot of us. There is no position he could not fill, were it

not for his liking for strong drink. This he does not seem able to

control. I believe he tries to but lacks the strength to resist the

temptations that are constantly placed in his way. Poor Bell, I pity him

more than any other man here. With the right influences about him, what

a different man he might be. He has more good traits than any of us can

boast, but his one besetting weakness is strong enough to overcome them

all.

First Lieutenant George H. Gorton enlisted in the 128th New York, as

wagoner. Was promoted to commissary sergeant in the Third Louisiana

Engineers, and from there he came as first lieutenant to this regiment.

He is of a strange make-up. Is well liked by all, but not greatly

respected by any. Is a good horseman and would probably make out better

handling horses than he does men. Put him anywhere, and he manages to

make money, and manages to spend it as fast as he gets it. Is

free-hearted and obliging and I never knew of his having an enemy.

Neither does he make any lasting friendships. He worked as teamster for

Colonel Bostwick before going into the army, and it was through Colonel

Bostwick that he got the position he now occupies.

First Lieutenant Henry C. Lay was a corporal in Company A, 128th New

York. I knew him while in that regiment, but he has not yet reported for

duty with us. He is on some special service and I suppose will sometime

turn up among us. From what little I know of him I should say he will

average well with the rest of us.

First Lieutenant George S. Drake was also with Colonel Bostwick before

he entered the army. He was commissary sergeant in the 128th New York,

and always in close touch with Colonel B. He and I have long been fast

friends, so it will not do to say anything against him. But I couldn't

if I would. There is nothing but good to say of him. He has been in a

position that kept him off the field, so I cannot say what sort of a

soldier he would have been, but he has always done well whatever he has

had to do, and probably would have done the same had he been in the

ranks. He is a fine penman, much better calculated for a business career

than that of a soldier. He is no hand to push himself ahead, but all the

same he gets there. Does not make friends as fast as some, but he keeps

those he does make. He is all right, no one need worry about Sol Drake.

Second Lieutenant Jacob M. Ames came out as a private in Company K,

128th New York. He was for some time assistant hospital steward and

afterwards promoted to sergeant in his company. From there he came to

this regiment as second lieutenant. He has not much taste for a purely

military life and I think he would have done better service as clerk in

some department. He has fits of blues, when he is rather cross and

surly, but when these go off he is good enough to make it all up. He

seems to be out of place.

Second Lieutenant John Y. Keese was a private in Company H, 128th New

York. Was made a corporal, and then a second lieutenant in this

regiment. He has no enemies and few if any fast friends. He doesn't seem

to have the knack of making either. Is not ambitious to get ahead. Some

say he is lazy. At any rate it seems doubtful if he gets any higher than

he now is. Still he may be like a singed cat, and come out top of the

heap.

Second Lieutenant George N. Culver is another graduate from Company H,

128th New York. He has a habit of carrying his head high up and I have

often wondered why he never stubbed his toes. He keeps rather to

himself, not mixing with the others more than he is obliged to. Still he

is a good sort of chap when one gets up close to him, and tends well to

what he has to do.

Second Lieutenant Charles Wilson was a corporal in Company D. He is of

German descent, rather quick tempered, and not real well calculated to

get along in a crowd like this. Still he is a good fellow and I think

will make a good officer when his patience has had time to grow.

Second Lieutenant William Platto is from the same company and regiment.

He minds his own business and is well liked. So far as I know he neither

smokes, drinks, or chews. If he has other bad habits I have not yet

found them out. But he has good qualities enough to make him a favorite

with all. He is tall and fine-looking and in all-round good qualities is

above the average of us.

Second Lieutenant Orrin A. Moody has not yet reported for duty and so he

goes free. I hope he won't lower the average.

Second Lieutenant Lawrence Van Alstyne was, like most of the others,

from the 128th New York. He enlisted as private in Company B. Was

appointed corporal, afterwards sergeant and acted as commissary of

Company B until his discharge from the 128th and his transfer to this

regiment. His spare time is mostly given up to writing letters either

for himself or for others, and to keeping an account of his travels and

adventures, which takes the place of letters to his folks at home.

So much for the officers, and now for the men. In color they range all

the way from ebony to a yellowish white. In stature they vary just as

greatly, and so they do in intelligence and ambition. They are willing

to learn and some of them learn very rapidly. But there are others that

are quite the contrary, and that keeps the average rather low. In that

respect they are like all other recruits, white or black, the quick to

learn have to do a whole lot of hard work to make up for the stupidity

of the rest. They look well in their uniforms and are tickled most to

death with their outfit, especially their guns. Those that have been in

the service long enough are good soldiers. When they have fought at all,

they have fought like demons. If any were ever taken prisoners I have

not heard of it, and quite likely they did not live long enough to tell

of it. I have spent a lot of time over the descriptive list but am

rather glad I stuck to it.

_November 11, 1863._

_Wednesday._ Yesterday I had to skip, or else break into my description

of the Ninetieth, and that I did not want to do. Lieutenant Drake went

to the city and I attended to his duties as well as my own. An order

came for the Ninetieth to report at New Orleans, leaving a guard here to

receive and forward such recruits as may be sent in from the front. It

does not take soldiers long to move, and the entire outfit, officers and

men, were off on the next train, leaving Lieutenant Smith and myself

with Company D here to take care of the next squad that comes. Soon

after they had gone who should appear but Colonel Bostwick, Adjutant

Phillips and Lieutenant Wilson from Newtown with 130 more recruits. They

were all hungry and we had quite a time filling so many empty baskets.

The colonel looks well and says he feels well. Wilson, however, is sick,

and the colonel decided to go on to New Orleans, and to take everything

with him except Smith and I, and ten men as guards. They got off on the

5 P. M. train. We had a hustling time getting them off, and after they

were gone Smith and I sat down on the platform and smoked.

The weather is cold for the time of year and we lay and shivered till

after sunrise. Having no tents left we took up quarters in the same

house we were in once before. Had we been out in a tent I don't know how

we could have slept at all. We put in the day preparing for another cold

night. With the aid of an apology for a stove, a candle and a pack of

cards, we passed quite a comfortable evening and night.

_November 12, 1863._

_Thursday._ I put in the forenoon writing and Smith in running around.

After noon an orderly came with an order from Colonel Tarbell for us to

vacate the house, as he needed it for his clerks. As he is boss we had

no other way than to get out. But we took our stove with us. We got

hold of a good wall tent which we put up and moved the commissary

stores into it, and where we are about as comfortable as we were in the

house with half the windows out. To make the matter worse, Lieutenant

Keese came in just at night with another batch of recruits. He left

Colonel Parker at Franklin, and he is about the last one left up the

country now. We issued rations for the men, and got them in the depot

for the night. We took Keese in with us and the stories he told of his

adventures up the country made the evening pass quickly.

_November 13, 1863._

_Friday._ We were up bright and early so Keese and his recruits could

catch the first train out. After that we went into our tent to talk over

matters. This just staying here with nothing to do but think brought to

mind many things we had not thought of for a long time. I told Smith

what Ike Brownell said just before he died. "That if he had the power to

do so he would start North with every man who wanted to go, and as fast

as he passed over four feet of ground he would sink it." Matt said that

expressed his sentiments exactly.

At noon the A. G. Brown arrived from Newtown and reported being fired on

between here and Franklin. From the way she was barricaded with cotton

bales about the pilot house and from the bullet holes through it, they

must have had an exciting time. Lieutenant Reynolds before he left had

got hold of a pony, but as he could not take him with him, told me to

sell or give him away. I found plenty of buyers but they had no money,

so I let him munch government hay until to-day, when I saddled up and

started for a trade. I found a sutler a little way out of town who

offered to buy if I would take it in trade. I made a rap with him,

getting twenty papers of tobacco, twenty-five cigars, a pound of butter,

a box of shoe blacking and a brush, and a glass of beer. That was the

best I could do and it took me a long time to do that. Matt thought I

made a good trade, and I hope Reynolds will think so too. A couple of

sergeants from Colonel Tarbell's headquarters came in at night and we

had a euchre party.

_November 14, 1863._

_Saturday._ For pastime to-day we went crabbing. We had good luck, and a

feast to wind up with. The guards understand fishing much better than

we, and they have all the fish to eat they care for.

_November 15, 1863._

_Sunday._ We kept in our tents nearly all day, writing letters and

wondering when this dreary way of living will end. A man caught a big

catfish which we traded some army rations for and have been living high

to-night, besides having enough for some days to come. Our forces up the

Teche are said to be working back this way. Droves of cattle and horses

are being driven on ahead of them. They swim them across from Berwick,

and when they get here are so tired out there is no trouble in yarding

them. Then they are shipped to Algiers and slaughtered for the army. The

horses, I suppose, are used in some other way, but am not sure, for I

have seen bones in meat that I well know never grew in a cow, or a

steer.

_November 16, 1863._

_Monday._ To-night, Lieutenant Wilson came from the city with a couple

of orders, one for Matt, to go up the Teche again and report to Colonel

Parker, and the other for me, to pack up bag and baggage and report to

Colonel B., at New Orleans. The Southerner came down last night with

over two hundred holes in her cabin made by the bullets fired at her

from the bushes along the Teche. Several passengers were wounded but no

one killed. They have cut the telegraph wires. Our main force seems to

have left the ground they have passed over, not well enough protected

to keep the wandering bands of guerrillas from doing a lot of mischief.

Wilson brought some papers which say Fort Sumter has fallen. I supposed

that had happened long ago.

_November 17, 1863._

_Tuesday._ The colonel left his horse here when he went through and that

is the reason I am here yet to-night. I could not get a transportation

order signed in time for the only train that carries horses. Matt got

left over for much the same reason. His order had to be countersigned by

Colonel Tarbell, and before he could get his signature the boat had

left. Colonel Parker came in to-day and went on to the city, leaving his

horse at Berwick, and Wilson is to ride him back to Franklin. He has

gone across the bay and Matt and I are here by ourselves, just as if

none of these orders had come.

_November 18, 1863._

_Wednesday._ Am in Brashear City yet and alone. I couldn't get away with

the horse, and not daring to leave him here kept the whole outfit. I

wrote Colonel B. why I did not go. Matt had just the same trouble I did

and he got mad and left on the 5 o'clock train for the city to find out

what's the matter. It is a strange mix-up. No one can leave the place

with any government property without a pass signed by Colonel Tarbell,

and Colonel Tarbell is out of town and no one left in his place. The

report is Adjutant Phillips has resigned and his resignation has been

accepted. Also that Lieutenant Clark has been put in his place. So much

of my prophecy has come true, if this report is true.

Lieutenant Culver came down to-day. Colonel B. left him with no orders,

and he has been loafing ever since. He came down intending to go on to

the city and find out about it. Lieutenant Mathers came from the city on

his way to the recruiting camp, which Culver says is at our first

camping place near Nelson's Landing. They staid and took supper with me

and then went on, leaving me all alone.

_November 19, 1863._

_Thursday._ Had a call from one of the Twelfth Connecticut to-day.

Another man called and tried to sell me a map of Brashear City. I told

him I had one printed on my brain already and did not care for another.

I took out my ten men and gave them a drill so as to keep them even with

the others, in fact did anything and everything I could to pass away the

time. A large force came across the bay just at night, belonging to the

Thirteenth Army Corps. They must have joined the Nineteenth Corps

somewhere up the Teche, and their coming through this way shows the

campaign is about to wind up. They are western men--great big, lusty

fellows, and by the way they act are able to get a living anywhere, for

they have been helping themselves to everything that is not nailed fast.

No orders coming for me, I went and made a call on the Ninety-first

fellows, who loaded me with oranges and other good things to eat. Some

of them are from Columbia County, N. Y. and I being from Dutchess, we

were neighbors right away.

_November 20, 1863._

_Friday._ Last night, after I was abed and asleep, I was pulled out by

the heels and told I had company to entertain. It was Matt, with a

couple of his old railroad cronies, all on their way to the front. One

of them was an Irishman chockfull of fun and stories. The other was a

lieutenant in the Second Engineers. After getting them something to eat

we sat and smoked, and Matt got his Irish friend telling stories. The

consequence was we all went to sleep with a grin on our faces. Matt had

got the transportation business fixed up, and at 1 P. M. I left Brashear

City with everything belonging to the Ninetieth U. S. C. I. The train

was crowded, some riding on top of the cars. One man, a soldier in the

Ninety-first New York, had a chill that seemed as if it would shake his

bones apart, and when that passed off had a fever that almost burned him

up. Poor fellow, I pitied him, and that was all I could do. I hardly

dare write it down, but I have never had a touch of that complaint that

seems so universal in this country. We got to Algiers at 8 P. M. I left

a man with the colonel's horse and took the rest to the ferry and was

soon in New Orleans, looking for the "Louisiana Steam Cotton Press,"

where Matt told me was now headquarters. I found the place, but it was

so far from where I expected that I thought I would never get there. It

was late, and after a handshake all around, I turned in with Sol and was

soon asleep.

FOOTNOTES:

[6] After the war and after I was married, my wife and I went on a visit

to relatives of mine in Albany County. While there it was proposed that

we all go over into Green County and take dinner with some of my cousins

whom I had never met. We went, and had the best sort of a time and

dinner. It happened that one of the boys had been in the army, and

naturally we talked of the war. He had been in the Gulf Department, as

was I, and he was also in the Teche country. This led to my telling

about stealing the horse, when he jumped up, declaring "You are the man

who stole my horse!" He supposed the horse had got away, and having no

time to look for him, rode through on one of the wagons of the Engineer

Corps, of which he was a member. He described the horse, and some of the

others, so I knew he was telling the truth. He said they had bargained

with the people for a breakfast and were too busy eating to notice

anything going on outside. L. V. A.

[7] The man whose horse I had stolen the day before was of this company,

and if I had not traded horses, no doubt I would have had some

explanations to make. L. V. A.